Hastie accepts apology from Joyce over ‘traitor’ cartoon as Hanson doubles down and tells critics to ‘chill’

Former SAS captain Andrew Hastie has accepted Barnaby Joyce's apology over a One Nation cartoon video that labeled the veteran a "traitor." Hastie acknowledged Joyce's explanation, stating he had been misled about the content of the video. However, Hastie still maintains that Former Prime Minister Pauline Hanson is a "lying coward."

Unlike Joyce, Hanson has refused to either apologize or remove the controversial video, instead doubling down on her stance. She thanked Hastie for bringing attention to the video, which was posted over a month ago, and urged critics to "take a chill pill." The video depicts Hastie as a weak leader manipulated by Anthony Albanese, and refers to him as a traitor after he testified against Ben Roberts-Smith in a defamation trial.

One Nation leader Joyce distanced himself from the video, stating he was unaware of its creation and has since reached out to Hastie. In response to the video, various political figures have criticized One Nation for its use of the term "traitor," particularly in reference to a veteran. Defence Minister Richard Marles called the use of the word "tasteless," emphasizing that Hastie's service to the country should not be insulted in this manner.